So i noticed a couple days ago, every time i start my truck, the oil light on the dash comes on, but then gradually fades out within 7 minutes or so.
And my oil is good, cause i just had it changed, so i was thinking it could be the oil pump going out, but i have no clue where that even is, and i not gonna pay to have it done, as i do my trucks maintenance by myself.
So any knowledge of this is helpful, because i drive 40 miles a day when i go to work and come home, so i can't have an oil shortage in the engine block, cause that can lead to a thrown rod easy.

 

i'm pretty sure your oil pump is in the bottom of the block and to access it you need to pull the oil pan.

 

Well, oil starvation will lead to a lot more than a thrown rod.

The oil pump is pretty much in the oil pan. Close enough anyway. I know on my 1989 2.9 I unbolted the engine mounts and tanny crossmember mounts until I could jack the engine up high enough to remove the oil pan. It was jammed against the firewall. I then BARELY got to the oil pump. It was hell. I couldn't see anything! Everything I've read says to remove the engine to service the oil pump or to remove the oil pan. I had my radiator, fan, etc out and after jacking the engine up, the pan just barely slid down and forward enough to service it all. In hindsight, it would've been easier to remove the engine.

Have you checked the connection to the sensor on the side of the oil pan??? I had oil light problems once and that's all it was. A loose connection.


GB :)

 

If your tuck sounds fine I doubt the oil pump is going out. With out oil pressure your lifters will be completely collapsed and make a horrible racket.

Honestly your truck has a fake gauge in it, and i bet the sender is gummed up with a bit of sludge. Get a real gauge on the test port to verify the reading.

 

Well actually i don't even have a gauge in my truck, it's a little light that only comes on when there an issue.

 

yea, they are dummy gauges. "hey dummy, something is wrong!!!"
(i'm not calling you a dummy. so don't fret)
you should get a aftermarket one and mount it on the A pillar or under the dash. little cost for a little piece of mind IMHO.

i also think you should take blhde's advice and get in there and look around before you start tearing into a motor if you don't have to.

 

Yep, they just replaced the dummy gauge with a dummy light. A common Ranger issue is cold mornings and the dummy oil gauge needle reading 0 and the check gauges light being on. Replacing the sending unit switch resolves the issue. Happened to my 01 years back.

*Edit -- Just seen you have a 98......I thought it was an 08....LOL

 

He's got an 88 model.


Like I said, don't forget to check that connection on the side of the oil pan. See how loosely it fits on. It may need cleaned, or the light will come on occasionally. Mine used to until I fixed that connection. Mine was very loose for whatever reason. I just removed it and crimped it a tiny bit tighter, then pushed it back on and checked how tight it held. All's been well ever since. AT LEAST I THINK THAT'S WHAT I DID. It's been a long time.. lol


GB :)

 

are you running a motorcraft oil filter? if not you need to!! YES i have seen the difference!! ford puts a check valve in the filter so it ALWAYS has oil in motor on start up....that could be part of your prob if it does that and then the light goes out.